Adventure 19: Azusa's Revenge
Update:
Well Akane challenged me to a huge battle and I took her up on it. We fought each other for about two hours before neither one of us could take anymore. It came down to the person who attack landed next would leave the other one dead. I used the crystal attack on her and she died. Azusa knew something had happened to her twin and when she found out that I had killed her she went crazy. Nothing happened but she swore revenge on me. Seiya and I ran into Chiyoko again and helped me get back to the apartment. The team found out that Kakyuu can transform into a sailor scout as well. Before Chiyoko left she swore that when it came time to fight Charlotte she would help us fight.
"I'm going back to bed for awhile longer. I still feel tired. Wake me up when dinner ready.", I said heading off to my room. It had been awhile since I had exhausted that much power. I laid down on the bed and fell asleep right away. When I woke up later that night it was about one in the morning. I was sorta mad since they didn't do what I had asked them to do. To me it was rather hot in the room so I went to step out for some fresh air. I went out on the balcony for a few minutes. I could tell that winter was starting to set in. The air was crisp and cold but it felt good considering how hot the room was. I still was thinking about the battle with Akane. I never thought I would ever kill a scout but it happened. Everyone said 'it was only an accident and you were protecting yourself', but Azusa didn't care she had lost a family member and was upset which was understandable. I stood out outside for who knows how long before Jen came out.
"What are you doing up?", she asked still half asleep.
"I'm not really tired anymore. Besides the room was too hot to sleep in. What are you doing up?"
"I was wondering who went outside since it's so cold."
"It's fine out here. It is a little a cold but it could be a lot colder than this. Could you imagine us fighting in our scout uniforms in snow? Do you know how cold we'd be?"
"I would feel sorry for the Starlights more than anyone else. I'm going back to bed. See you in the morning.", she answered. She headed off to her room. After she left I went back inside, no sense in staying out there. I sat down on the couch and thought about if I should go for a walk to tire me out. I still had my clothes on so I went and got my shoes and coat on and very quietly headed out the door. Almost no one was out in the city. Sure there were the people who were always out at night but nothing like the crowds during the day. I headed off for the palace fountain since I could think clearly there. When I got to the grounds no one else was there. The lights were still on and I was a bit surprised that the fountain was still on considering how cold it felt. As I watched the fountain the idea came to me to try to get into the palace. There would be no one to stop me. I decided to act upon it since it would be impossible during the day.
"PHEBOS ETERNAL POWER! Better get this over with."
I walked up to the palace and check for any guards on the outside. When the cost was clear I ran up the steps leading to the door. I almost opened the door when I realized that there had to be some type of security alarm on it. I then had to look for a window that was open. I found one but I had to get on the ground in order to get in. I opened the window a little bit wider and squeezed through it. I tried to get the dirt and dust off of me but it was no use. I was in what appeared to be a storage room and went to the door that led to the hall. I peeked out to see if anyone was coming and no one was seen. I walked down the hall as quiet as I could not to arouse suspicion or anything. As I walked down the hall there was a staircase that led down a stone stairwell. I went and checked it out. As I walked down the stairs the temperature dropped. At the bottom of the stairs was yet another hall, except this one was lit up very well. I searched for a stick or something to burn. I found one but it was a little damp. It would take a bit to light it.
"Phebos Fire Attack!", I said in a whisper. Luckily the torch lit. I held it above my head so I could get a look around. There were what looked prison cells. I walked down the walkway in between the cells. I saw what looked like a piece of a red dress in one of the cells.
"Princess Kakyuu?", I asked, "Is that you?"
"Who is it? What do you want to do to me now?", she asked.
"It's me Sailor Phebos. I sunk into the palace to find you."
She turned towards the light and realized who I was.
"Are you a sight for someone who hasn't seen a friendly face in a long time."
"The Starlights are really worried about you. I'm glad you're alright."
"Is anyone else with you?"
"No. They don't even know I'm gone. Why did they put you down here?"
"Because of what Freya said. She said I was putting the system in danger by going into war. All I had arranged was for some talks, just for trading purposes. While I was talking to them I said if anyone would start war with any of our allies this system would support them. Freya took it the wrong way and thought I was getting the system for battle, when it wasn't the case. When she announced that to the public they wanted me thrown in jail so she used that claim to put me here."
"I'll clear this up. If that's the only reason you're in here I'll clear it. I need to make up for what I did to Tisiphone."
"No one will listen to the fact that I'm innocent. I would have been out of here by now but they took my transformation wand. If you can just get that I could get out of here. Has all of the scouts here turn on me?"
"No. Just about everyone. Only the Starlights and Alecto are still loyal."
"You better get going before they find you."
"It's too late for that, Kakyuu."
"Thalia, leave Phebos alone. She's done nothing to you.", Kakyuu yelled.
"She's the one who killed Tisiphone.", Thalia responded pointing at me.
"Is that claim true?"
"It is.", I answered not proud.
"See this is what happens when other people from outside the system come in. She should be put on trial for murder.", Thalia went on accusing.
"Phebos get out of here before the guards do.", Kakyuu whispered.
I knew I had to cause a distraction so I could make a run for it, "PHEBOS FIRE STORM!"
The attack filled the room with fire for a minute but the smoke would not clear. I had to make a run for it. I ran up the stairs as fast as I could. I started running down the main hallway but the guards had been alerted.
"Hey you stop right there!", they called out.
I knew I had to do something to buy sometime.
"PHEBOS FLAME WALL!"
That would stop them for a short amount of time. I ran out the front entrance and through the grounds. I hid behind a tree and got out of my transformation. The guards kept searching until sun up, then new guards were brought in. I was getting really tired and I had to head back home before they came looking for me. When the tourist started coming they stepped up the guard, but at least I could head home. I walked home and on the way I ran into Seiya.
"Seiya!"
"Maria? Where have you been? We've been looking for you."
"Long story. Get me back home the police are looking for me."
He was a bit surprised but didn't ask any questions. When we got upstairs I was never so happy to be inside.
"Where did you find her?", Jen asked.
"Coming from the palace.", he answered.
"We have to stay inside for a while."
"Why, Ri?", Suz asked.
"When I woke up at one this morning, I got thinking about how I could talk to Kakyuu. So I went to see if it would work. It did and I did get to talk to Kakyuu. She's fine for being in the cell she's in. When I was about to leave Thalia caught me. I had to run to avoid being caught but the guards had been alerted. I went into the small bunch of trees on the grounds and hid there until a half hour ago. I think the rest of you will be alright but I'll have to stay inside. Now I know how Chiyoko feels.", I explained.
"You did find her?", Yaten asked.
"Yeah. Down in the basement it looked like. Where the prisoner are normally held.", I answered.
"We could sneak in there tonight.", Seiya said to Taiki and Yaten.
"Wait before you get any ideas. Because of what I did this morning there are a ton of guards around the palace."
"That's alright. Before we fight we'll get Kakyuu out.", Taiki said, "In the meantime, Maria you'll have to go and live with Chiyoko for awhile till the heat dies down."
"What happens if they find me there?"
"Seiya'll go with.", Yaten answered.
"Is Chiyoko going to be over today?", I asked.
"Sure. In a few minutes actually."
Just as Yaten finished the bell rang from the hallway door.
"Hello. I just went to check on the palace and there were a lot of guards around. Wonder what caused it?"
"Me.", I answered.
"It's complicated. Do you think Seiya and Maria could stay with you on your home planet 'til it calms down a bit?", Taiki answered.
"Sure that's no problem."
"Just make sure if you have to fight to let us know here.", Hotaru suggested.
"They will I'll make sure of it. Get your stuff together you two.", Chiyoko promised.
I got a small bag of clothes from my room together and I was ready to go. I felt bad about leaving the team behind but it was important that I was not found. I went by the front door and I started having second thoughts about this. When Seiya was ready we were about to leave when it struck me.
"I have an idea. Why doesn't the whole team come with? That way we're not separated.", I suggested, "Well, what do you think?"
Everyone was willing to go with it except for Taiki and Yaten. I wanted them to come with but it looked like they weren't coming.
"Come on you two. She's going to need your help.", Seiya told the two of them.
"Someone has to stay behind to make sure that nothing happens here while you're gone.", Taiki responded.
"You have to come with. Couldn't you just check in every so often that way both of you can still come with?", I asked.
"At least consider it.", Suz added.
"We'll think about it. You'll know our decision later on tonight.", Yaten answered.
"All of you should head out.", Taiki added.
I didn't want to leave them behind but it was their decision. Chiyoko lead us outside and down to another building. The group was excited to be going on another planet. It would be interesting to see the different places and meet different people.
"We have to go in here.", she told us pointing to a rusted door.
"Do we have to?", Jen asked looking at the door.
"Yes. It's the only place besides the palace with a teleportation machine and the other scouts of this system don't know about it. I know the door looks old and rusted, but it is actually new. Kakyuu and I made look like this so people wouldn't go in and so far it's worked."
She had to struggle to get the door open, but she did get it open. We all walked in and found ourselves in a small room. The room was just about bare except for a table and chair.
"Let's go into the next room over. Go through the door on your left.", Chiyoko told us closing the door.
We walked on through and found a raised platform and a control panel.
"This is it. The great accomplishment of technology. Go on and step on the platform. I'll get the coronations fixed."
"Ne, Chiyoko, how is the weather on Alecto?", Hotaru asked.
"Very cold. The planet is just starting winter. Not the best time to be going there. Hope you won't have to fight while your staying with me.", she answered keying in the coordinates, "There I just finished. We'll be teleported in 2 minutes."
We just stood on the platform till a white light surrounded us and transported us.
"It worked."
"What do you mean 'it worked'?", I asked.
"I wasn't sure if it was going to work with all of us. Come on let's get to my place quickly before Azusa figures out what we did."
She led us out of the room where the machine was to an alley. She looked around to make sure the coast was clear. She had to close the door part way since someone was checking it out. She opened the door again and motioned us to go out one at a time. Chiyoko then locked the door and led out to the street.
"How far is your place?", Jen asked.
"Only a block or so. I'll try to point some things out on the way.", Chiyoko answered.
She told us that we were in more of the outer part of the city and it was going to be a lot quieter than on Kinkomu. She pointed out the store, a few restaurants, the school (which was so creepy since we all knew we should be in school), and the main business building. The business building had to be at least 60 stories high and it looked like silver. We then arrived at Chiyoko's house. It was a good size house. It was about 2 stories high, basement, and a good size yard.
"Come on. Don't just stand there and look at the house. Come in.", Chiyoko told us unlocking the door. We all filed into the house and dropped our bags at the front door.
"There are only 3 bedrooms upstairs then my room is down here then again there's the basement....", she started to tell us.
"Meeting in front room about sleeping arrangements, again.", Seiya announced.
We knew the drill from when we had to before. I know most of them hated having to figure this all out again when we finally settled in at the other place. At least this time would be easier and not so cramped like the apartment. Everyone sat down and got comfortable, while we tried to figure this out.
"I think we've figured it out. Tell them.", Seiya announced.
"The girls will have the bedrooms and 2 girls per room. The boys get the basement."
"That's not fair. Why do all of you get the nice comfy beds and we get the cold basement?", Robert asked whining.
"Because there's more of us than you.", I answered.
"The basement is finished and there are two or three couches down there to sleep on.", Chiyoko added, "Anyway, who wants to partner up with who?"
"Meghan and I will share a room again.", Jen answered, "Fine with you?"
"Sure."
"Hotaru and I will share a room.", Suz answered.
"Yea!"
"Guess that leaves me and you, Maria.", Chiyoko told me.
"I don't care. That leaves Seiya and Robert in the basement.", I started to sing.
"Go on and get settled in your rooms. It doesn't matter what room you guys take since all of the rooms are about the same size. Maria come over here and put your things down."
I followed her into her room and it was made up real nice. Her room had a nice big window that faced the back yard.
"I love the way your room looks."
"Thanks. I'm not used to having people in the house."
"Why? Don't your parents live here?"
"My mom died a few years ago because she was sick. My dad is being held prisoner by Charlotte because he helped me hide. My brother and sister moved out a while ago."
"How old are they?"
"My brother, Yousuke, is almost 28. My sister, Kasumi, is 23."
"How old are you?"
She laughed a bit before she answered, "I'm about 20. Why do you look so surprised? I'm the oldest out of all the scouts in this system. What about your family?"
"I live with my mom and my sister. My sister is also a scout."
"What are their names?"
"My sister's name is Susan but everyone calls her Suz. My mom name is Diana."
"Did your dad die or something?"
"No. They got divorced when I was a year and a half. But it was all for the better. What are we going to cook for dinner?"
"I've been thinking about that myself. How many of us are there?"
"I think eight and if Taiki and Yaten show up that makes ten. Could we just make something in the house because if we order out that would cost a lot of money. If the two of us run to the store we can get some stuff to make dinner instead."
"Ok. Let's just run out and get the stuff."
The two of us put on our coats and shoes and headed out to the store. The easiest dinner to make for a lot of people is always some sort of pasta dish. The thing that was hard was what type of pasta dish.
"What should we get? Some spaghetti perhaps?", Chiyoko asked me.
I had no clue what to get but I agreed to spaghetti. It was easy, fast, and hot for a cold day. We bought all the ingredients along with some bread. We paid for the stuff and headed back to the house. I was nervous walking around since none of us were sure if Azusa had followed us or if she was on to us. I saw someone who looked like they were in trouble and I went over to see what was going on.
"Hey buddy get away from her.", I told the guy.
"Maria don't start anything.", Chiyoko told me.
"I have orders to look for the traitor sailor scout from Azusa. I have been searching for a good month and I still have not found her."
"Maybe you're not looking hard enough. Why are you looking for her here?", I asked playing stupid.
"This is her home planet. Why would you want to know that information? Now that I look at you, you look very much like a different sailor scout that Azusa wants arrested for breaking into the palace the other night."
"Well I've lived here all my life and I don't have a clue who your talking about. Come on let's go home before mom starts to worry about us.", I said Chiyoko.
"Why are you acting all nervous? If you've lived here all your life where did you go to school? Also if you live here then you may know Chiyoko, who is the traitor?", he asked me. I was in a corner now. I had no idea where anything was and I didn't want to blow Chiyoko's cover.
"I've been home-schooled since I was 7. Emi, go on home and give the groceries to mom. Tell her I'll be a little late getting home.", I told Chiyoko.
"Right. It was nice meeting you sir.", Chiyoko told him and started off back to the house.
"I'd like to take you down to the station and question you on the missing scout."
"Sure I'd love to go."
He walked over to his police car and let me sit in the front seat. I knew if I didn't do something that I was going to get caught. We drove down to the station. The station was very busy. Some of the officers were answering calls, others taking care of some minor crimes, and others questioning people on leads. He walked me into a small room for some questioning.
"Just sit here. I'll be back in a minute."
"Uh sir may I call my mom and tell her where I am?"
"Sure. There's a phone right there. But when I get back you better be done with the call.", he answered and left the room locking the door behind him. I didn't use the phone because there might have been a tracking device of some sort so I just used the communicator.
"Guys, are you there?"
"Yeah. Are you okay? Chi...", Jen started.
"Don't you dare say her name. As far as the officer is concerned her name is Emi. I'm fine. He locked me in the room so I can't get out. He must have gone to get somebody and if it's Azusa I'm not going to get out of here. Think of something to get me out. He's unlocking the door.", I said into the communicator softly then I said aloud, "Bye, mom. You're back already?"
"Yes. I'm going to have a lady come in here later and ask you some questions."
"What's her name?"
"Azusa. She's leading the investigation to finding Chiyoko."
"Oh. Well what would you like to ask me?"
"Have you seen this person? We think that she may be hiding on this planet but we're not sure.", he asked me hold a picture of Chiyoko before she changed her appearance.
"No, I haven't."
"Have you seen another group of scouts called the Starlights? They left sometime go and Azusa said she has seen them on Kinkomu."
"I haven't seen any of them before. What did the three of them do?"
"They are very loyal to the princess and are willing to do anything to get her out of jail. If you see them contact this station."
"I will."
"Let me go get Azusa and she'll come and talk to you."
"Okay."
I started thinking to myself, I am in so much trouble. If the team doesn't get here I'll be spending time in jail for the murder of Akane. I want to go home.
"I don't want you talking to my girlfriend that way. She didn't do anything. Where's an attorney? You should not have questioned her with out one present? Her mom has told me to take her home right now. You are done questioning her. If you let her go her mom will not press charges against you. Tell her I am to take her home right now.", I heard someone yelling.
"Your boyfriend is here to take you home. There will be no more questioning. Right this way.", the officer came and told me. I walked out of the room and there was Robert.
"Hi. Come on your mom is worried about you."
"Okay."
I could not believe that they had sent him. The thought of him being my boyfriend made me sick (since he is my cousin in real life). We walked out of the station and down the block. The rest of the team was waiting.
"Let go of my hand. Who's bright idea was it for him to act like my boyfriend!?", I yelled.
"We couldn't send Seiya and he was the only other guy.", Suz answered.
"You guys could not have timed it better. The officer went to get Azusa when Robert made all of the noise. Thank you."
"Hey girl wait I want to talk to you!", I heard Azusa call out.
"Shoot what are we going to do? She'll recognize me.", I asked.
"Just don't look at her.", Seiya answered, "The rest of you come back here and hide."
"I wanted to talk to you.", she told us out of breath.
"Her mom does not want anymore people questioning her daughter or she'll press charges against everyone who has questioned.", Robert told her. No way had Robert come up with this by himself Seiya, Chiyoko, and Meghan probably came up with it.
"It is very important for the capture of Chiyoko."
"The answer is still no. Come on."
I looked back at Azusa for a second and she knew it was me, "Hold it right there. She's the one who killed Akane."
"Thanks a lot Robert. I'll run to the palace have the team get there as soon as they can.", I said a whisper and took off running. I ran to the park since I knew that there were a lot of hiding spots. The officers were not all that fast so when I got to the park I hid in the top of one of the trees. I wanted to transform but not with all the cops around.
"Come on out! There is no place to run. We can stay here all night if we have to!", the chief said over the megaphone. I looked over by the side gate and they hadn't closed it yet. I thought I could make a run for it. I climbed down the tree part way only to find a cop at the bottom. I went to climb back up but I slipped and I thought I was going to get caught but someone grabbed my hand. The person pulled me up and placed their hand over my mouth. I struggled to get free before I saw who it was.
"Stop moving around or they'll find us."
"Maker?", I asked moving his hand out of the way.
"Be quiet."
"How will we get down?"
"Wait until the others get here."
"If I transform we take them on. Let me transform."
"And let know your true identity?"
I knew he was right but I had to get out. I looked over at the side gate again and it was now closed off. There had gone my chance to get out. We stayed up in the tree most of the night which was boring since we couldn't move. I kept a close eye on when the cops changed the shifts and when they opened the gates. The changed every 2 hours and opened the gate when they did. Which left a ten minute opening. I looked down at my watch and it was almost time for a change.
"Maker the next time they change we're getting out of the tree. If we don't, we may get out of here for days."
"Do what you want. Just make sure Azusa isn't around."
I climbed down a bit and the cop started to walk off. I made sure that he was gone then motioned Maker to jump down. Both of us jumped down at the same time and rolled into the bushes. I was so bored I decided to transform no matter what Maker thought. I reached into my pant pocket and pulled out the broach.
"PHEBOS ETERNAL POWER! Hey cops come get me if you can!", I started taunting.
"Get her!", one of them called out.
"How stupid are you guys? Did you forget that sailor scouts can use attacks, like this? PHEBOS FIRE SURROUND! Oh my fault. You can't reach me if I do this."
"Call Azusa and tell her we have the scout."
"Yes, sir.", a guy answered. He then ran to the gate.
"Before you do anything you regret listen to me. I didn't mean to kill Akane but she would have killed me. In your line of work you have every right to defend yourselves if you are put in danger. And that's what I did that day, defended myself. Azusa is just upset and wants revenge. Please let me go and I won't cause anymore trouble."
"That's different from what she told us. The way she said it, it almost sounded like you killed Akane for no good reason."
"I have a question for all of you. Do you think it was wrong that Princess Kakyuu was thrown in jail? Please consider that Azusa helped get her there while Chiyoko tried to keep her out. Who was right?"
"Chiyoko. Azusa should be arrested."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you because......"
"I can throw all of you into prison for treason.", Azusa finished, "What are you trying to do? Turn everyone against me in hopes of freeing Kakyuu?"
"Maybe. You were wrong for doing that!"
"All cops should clear the area or get charged for treason. Out!"
The cops had no choice but to do what she said. I wasn't worried what she would do considering that she can't fight. I cleared the fire surrounding me and thought about clearing out.
"Now I know where you went. Did you think you could escape me? No matter where you go I'll find you."
"Enough chatter. That's your problem, you talk way too much."
"I'm all talk am I? Try this. THALIA FLAME TORNADO!"
"How creative. PHEBOS FIRE SURROUND! Listen to me."
"Why? You killed Akane! Do you know how it feels to be all alone? She was the only one left out of my family. THALIA..."
"STAR DUST FLAME!"
"Healer!"
"I heard about the fight and it was Akane's fault that she died."
"All of you are traitors! THALIA STAR WIND!"
"SILENT WALL!"
"I'm outta here. It's not fair for all of you to gang up on me like this. You'll pay one day. When that day comes I'll be the only one left standing.", she whined. When she disappeared I was relieved.
"Learn to call us when you help.", Fighter told me.
"I know. I was in real trouble until Maker and Healer showed up."
"I thought you said you were going to stay back on Kinkomu.", Titania said.
"The team needs to be together.", Healer replied.
"Can we go home and eat some dinner? I'm starving!", I asked.
"Yeah come on."
We all walked out and all the cops were still there. I looked in the crowd and saw the officer who had questioned me.
"Come over here a minute. I would like if you not tell anyone about my true identity. I do know where Chiyoko is but we don't want anything to happen to her. You'll see that we'll bring justice back and get your princess out of jail."
"Are the Starlights going to help?", one of the other officers asked.
"Sure we are. We are not any different than from when we left. We just have more help.", Fighter answered.
"We'll make sure Azusa doesn't find any of you."
With that resurement we all headed home for a well deserved dinner. Azusa was not a happy person. She was out for blood and would not stop til she saw me dead. I felt sorry for her in a way. She is not alone she still has her team, she has no idea what loneliness is until everyone you love is gone. We all knew that when Azusa was gone that Charlotte was next. This would be a hard fight for the Starlights because they're fighting people that they've grown up with. We were almost home when Azusa showed up again.
"You thought I would give up that easily? Guess again."
"I am so sick of fighting you. You only want revenge because you think that is what your sister would have wanted. If you kill me that won't bring her back. She's gone and you have to accept that."
"Why can't you get over that?", Suz asked.
"Have any of you lost anyone you love?", Azusa asked.
"Yeah all of have and it was during a battle just like Akane.", Jen answered.
"That doesn't matter right now. I want to fight any one of you. It doesn't matter who it is."
We looked at each other and none of us wanted to fight her. If we fought and defeated her Charlotte would show up and ask us to fight her.
"Might as well get this over with. I'll fight you."
"Alright. THALIA FLAME TORNADO!"
"PHEBOS FIRE SURROUND!"
"That little trick won't save you this time. No matter what you do you will not win this fight. THALIA WIND FIRE!"
"PHEBOS FIRE ATTACK! Stop this right now. I don't want to hurt you."
"All enemies say that so that the person drops their guard then they kill them. I won't fall for that especially from you."
"You leave me no choice. PHEBOS PLANET ATTACK!"
She fell to the ground and slowly got up. She was very upset and told me, "You might as well finish the job. At least that way I can be with Akane. Finish me off!"
"No. Go on home and try to make some sort of peace. There is no point to fight til the death no one wins that way."
"Phebos you are so naive. You may let her go home, but I won't."
"Charlotte you don't understand. I was going to keep fighting."
"She beat you which means you're no longer strong enough to fight on this team. Guards take her back to the palace until her hearing. I'll be waiting for all you on my home planet."
"That's nice and all but we don't know where to go.", Hotaru yelled.
"The Starlights know where to go. They've been there plenty of times. See you tomorrow."
"Well we have one more obstacle in our way and that's Charlotte.", Yaten said.
To be continued in 20.........